While I was at POP a few weeks ago, I was able to swap snacks for the drink. Definitely did it on two separate days with two different cast members. The first time, I didn't even do it on purpose, I just noticed they did not charge me snack credits for our cupcakes. Of course, YMMV.
It’s crazy! It makes no sense having to take a bottled beverage while having a refillable mug!
Last Aug, we left our room fridge full of bottled beverages after check out. We flew home and couldn’t take any of them. I even sent an email to guest services about it. They just said they’d review the policy. It’s so wasteful on their part.
Next time we stay at POP, I’d walk over to AoA. I’d much rather have a dessert than a fridge full of useless beverages.